Joyce Ellen Powers

Joyce Ellen Powers, age 67, passed away on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation.

Joyce was born on October 23, 1955 in Carthage, MO, the daughter of the late Raymond and Bernice (Ross) Powell.  She was a graduate of Jasper High School.  She worked for Fred’s Frozen Foods for several years.  She enjoyed crafts, needle work, and cats.  Joyce was a caring, loving person in spite of special challenges that she faced.  She struggled with some health issues during much of her adult years, but that never broke her sweet spirit.  The family would like to thank Webb City Health and Rehab for their wonderful care for Joyce for the years that she lived there.  Also, special thanks to Avalon Hospice for their special care over the past few months.

Joyce is survived by her three siblings, Jean Strickland, of Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada, Dale Powell of Omaha, Nebraska, and Shirley Shoup of Webb City, MO, and eight nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care of Parker Mortuary.

Eva J Krtek

Eva J. Krtek, 91, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Eva was born on May 27, 1931, to Lawerence Polonda and Alma “Jarman” Polonda in Bolivar, Missouri.

She was a stay-at-home mom and worked in the lumber business with her husband Richard for over 20 years. She enjoyed volunteering at the formerly known McCune Brooks Hospital and was a member of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage.

Eva was united in marriage to Richard Krtek in 1949; he preceded her in death (2009). Eva is survived by her two sons, Michael G. Krtek (Shirley) of Carthage, and Richard Alan Krtek of Miller, Missouri; one sister Ann Jacket of Rifle, Colorado; eight grandchildren Devin, Dustin, Colin, Kurtis, Rio, Damin, Leena, and Eva; and one great granddaughter Genevera.

A memorial mass will be held for Eva at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 15, 2022, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage, Missouri. Inurnment will follow at Park Cemetery.

Any condolences may be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Billy “Bill” Mac Nichols

Billy “Bill” Mac Nichols, 92, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Bill was born on February 13, 1930, to D’Mont Nichols and Lucille “Moore” Nichols at their home in Jasper County.

Bill was united in marriage to Barbara Flesher on May 17, 1947, in Columbus, Kansas. They celebrated 75 years of marriage this year; she survives.

Along with Barbara, Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Beverly and Dennis Bowers of Carthage; four grandchildren, Pam Thruman (Jeff), Cristy Spencer (Brian), Jason Bowers (Orzalah), and Melanie Perkins (Dustin); 12 great grandchildren; Brittany Athmer (Jeremiah), Emily Fosse (Kaylor), Tyler Thurman, Kohl Thurman, Savannah Spencer, Bethany Spencer, Jeman Bowers, Wial Bowers, Boyd Perkins, Grady Friesen, Jaclyn Friesen, Nolan Perkins and 2 great-great grandchildren; Kade Fosse and Kia Fosse.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Bill Jr (Butch).

Bill has been a lifetime resident of the Jasper County area, he never met anyone that wasn’t a friend. He was always telling that he attended 9 different grade schools as a child. He worked a number of years for Carthage Marble as a welder and blacksmith. During his lifetime he always had a big garden and some cows, he was always raising something, which included rabbits, mink, quail, crawdads, worms, rabbits, chickens, pigeons, and bottle calves. Bill was a talented artist and woodcarver; he loved to fish, but wasn’t of the ‘catch and release’ mindset, rather providing many family meals. He was a member of the Fairview Christian Church, formally a member of the Alba Christian Church.

The family wishes to thank Dana Butler and the staff at St. Luke’s Assisted Living for their kind care during the past year.

A graveside service will be held for Bill at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 12, 2022, at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30 pm on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri.

Any condolences may be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com. Contributions may be made to Life of Hope Ministries, in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Freda Mae Dodson

Freda Mae Dodson, age 75 of Sarcoxie, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at the Sarcoxie Nursing Center.

She was born on September 24, 1947 in Picher, Oklahoma to Robert Eli, Sr., and Ethel Irene (Hart) Eli. Freda loved to crochet, spending time with her family, she was truly a farmer’s wife and tremendously missed her husband after he passed away, and loved to spend time with her dog Freddie. She married Robert Dodson on October 23, 1984 in Miami, Oklahoma and he preceded her in death on January 12, 2019.

Freda was also preceded in death by 8 siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Peggy Johnson and husband Mike of Webb City; 2 sons, Robert Hight, Jr. and wife Melissa of Parsons, Kansas, Richard Hight and wife Sarah of Sarcoxie; step-children, Marvin, Angie, Jeanne, Tracy; a sister, Mildred Lloyd of Quapaw, Oklahoma; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild, along with a host of  extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The service will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow all services at Weaver Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City.

Fredrick Eugene Judy

Fredrick Eugene Judy, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born March 24, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Fredrick Samuel Judy and Anna Georgia Downing Judy. Fred married Christina M. Cook on December 30, 1972, at Ft. Scott. In earlier years, Fred had worked at Klein Tools in Moran, Kansas and later Labconco in Ft. Scott. He also owned and operated his own trash service. Fred later took a job with the USD #234 where he worked as a custodian and as a bus driver. He worked full time for the school district for over twenty-five years. At the time of his death, he was still driving the pre-school bus for the U-234 pre-school program where his young passengers affectionately referred to his as “Mr. Fred”.

Fred enjoyed helping others and serving his community. He had served for a time as a Bourbon County Commissioner. He enjoyed carpentry work and camping. Fred loved spending time and traveling with his family. He especially enjoyed taking trips to Branson. Fred put his faith in the Lord and was an active member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Chris, of the home; six children, Debra Merritt (Wayne) of Warsaw, Missouri, Carol Judy of Franklin, Kansas, David Judy (Cindy) of Cherokee, Kansas, Donna Castellani (Robert) of Pittsburg, Kansas, Tim Judy of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Brian Judy (Amanda) of Carl Junction, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Misty Judy of Warsaw, Missouri, and a sister, Edith Hixon of Ft. Scott.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Samuel Judy, Tony Doan and Christopher Judy and two sisters, Thelma Bulla and Ruth Dunckhorst.

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery south of Redfield, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

John Hiarm Sanders Jr.

John Hiarm Sanders, Jr. of Miami, OK passed from this life Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Integris Miami Hospital in Miami, OK. He was 90.

John was born March 30, 1932 in Milan, MO to John H. and Hazel K. (Simpson) Sanders, Sr. He had lived in Miami area since 1995 moving from Springfield, MO. He graduated from Milan High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during Korean Conflict. John was a truck driver, driving for Yellow Freight System in Baxter Springs, KS and Stratford, MO, retiring after 30 years. He was a member of Southeast Baptist Church in Commerce, OK, a member of Orient Lodge No. 430 A.F.&A.M. in Muskogee, OK, Joplin Scottish Rite Consistory, Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple in Springfield, MO and member of Teamsters Union.

John was preceded in death by 1 daughter, Cathy A. Sanders and his his parents

Survivors include his wife Doris (Tipton) Sanders of the home, 1 daughter, Tammy L. Epperson of Welch, OK, 1 brother, William Harris “Bill” Sanders of Muskogee, OK, 3 sisters, Colleen Havens of Milan, MO, Johnnie Sue Elrod of Muskogee, OK and Joann ???? of Tulsa, OK, 4 grandchildren, Austin Slaton, Chad Epperson, Tyler Epperson and Jared Aldridge and 7 great grandchildren, Talon Slaton, Gage Slaton, Jaxon Epperson, Braylee Epperson, John Epperson, Ally Aldridge and Kaden Aldridge.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022 at Southeast Baptist Church in Commerce, OK. Rev. Paul Case and Rev. Leroy Orr will officiate. Interment will be in G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami, OK. Austin Slaton, Chad Epperson, Tyler Epperson, Jared Aldridge, Talon Slaton and Gage Slaton will serve as pallbearers. Military Rites will be conducted by Grove Veterans Ritual Team. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, OK. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.

Bill Toney

William Edgar “Bill” Toney III, age 71, passed away at 4:20 pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at his home following an illness.

Bill was born January 3, 1951 in Joplin, MO. His parents were William Toney Jr and Dixie (Bender) Toney. He had lived in Galena most of his life.

He had also lived at Ft Leonard Wood, MO and Panama, OK. He entered the US Navy in 1974 and then joined the US Army serving from 1974 – 1980. He retired from Lozier Manufacturing, Joplin, MO in 2013. He attended Park Hill Nazarene Church, Galena, KS. He had also been a member of the Brothers of the Three Wheels motorcycle club. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling across the country, and his gun collection.

Bill was married to Annetta Mae Simpson on June 24, 1989 in Grove, OK. She survives.

Additional survivors include 3 sons, Rusty Holman, Galena, and children David and Brently, Will R “Bill” Toney (Pamela Tackett), Galena, and children Jamie, Matthew, and Skyler, and David Toney (Samantha), Galena, and children, David Douglas, Nicholas, and Courtney; two daughters, Christina Whitaker (Lee), Galena, and children, Briana, and Tamika, and Melisa Holman (Thomas Bicknell), Quapaw, OK, and children, Jasmine, Jenny, Edith, Justine and Stella; her mother, Dixie Toney, Galena, one brother, John Toney, Galena; three sisters, Tammy Duncan (Wanda Shefer), Baxter Springs, Merry Campbell (John), Portland, TN, and Patricia Richey (Philip), Galena, and 31 great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way)

He was preceded in death by his father, William Toney Jr and one sister, Marsha Toney.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 am, Friday, December 9, 2022 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Pastor Brad Hunt will officiate.

Victor Tony Barlett

Victor Tony Barlett, age 66, passed away Sunday morning December 4th, 2022 at Joplin Gardens nursing home, after a lengthy illness.

Tony is the son of the Late George and Georgia Barlett, of Webb City, MO. He was preceded in death also by 8 brothers: Wayne, Don, Ron, Gary, Jim, Ed, Mick, and Rocky Barlett, and by 4 sisters: Mary Barlett, Janice Reed, Patricia Thurlo, and Debbie Barlett.

He is survived by his son: Daniel Barlett and wife (Jessica) of Joplin, MO & 3 siblings: Beth Maynard of Oronogo, MO, Steve Barlett of Webb City, MO, and Sherry Barlett of Wichita, KS.

He had 6 grandchildren: Anaria, Alysa, Nemo, Aleena, Aliyah and Daniel Jr.

He was a mechanic and retired truck driver and he also helped his son Daniel create a music group Wicked Wayz. He assisted in the group’s tours and getting them established in the music industry. He was loved well respected. Tony became a father figure to the group as well. He loved being on stage with his son, and was known as ‘Popz’ to them all.

Family plans a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.

Gianna Michelle Johnson

Gianna Michelle Johnson was born on November 18, 2022 to Colton and Takiya Johnson in Martin, Tennessee. Even though she was with us for 15 days, she experienced unlimited hugs, kisses, and unconditional love. On December 3, 2022, our Sweet Angel gained her wings at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Gianna Michelle became the biggest hero by saving not one, but two babies by the gift of organ donation.

In addition to her parents, Gianna is survived by her paternal grandparents, Kevin and Regina Johnson, and her great-grandmothers Mona Ford and Laura Lunstrum; her maternal grandparents are Troy and Angela Britton and her great-grandmothers Deloris Britton and Kay Payne; her uncles Darren and Jacqueline Johnson, Travis and Sara Johnson, Dustin Johnson, Jeremiah and Jackson Britton; her aunts Zakiya and Jada Britton.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church in Walnut, Kansas with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Walnut

Friends may call after 2:00 pm Friday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Memorials are suggested to assist the family with final expenses, and these may be left at the funeral home or the church.

Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralhomes.com.

Jill T. Harrod

Jill Tracy Epperson Harrod, age 56,passed away after a lengthy illness on December 2, 2022 in Joplin, MO.

She is survived by the love of her life, Herb DeFrates, son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Jennifer Parker-Reeve; grandchildren Alayna Parker-Zion, Amina Parker-Reeve, and Alan Parker-Reeve; sisters Stacy Epperson, Wendy (Epperson) and Joab Ryan, and Robin (Epperson) and Micheal Atterton; nieces and nephews Danielle Epperson and baby Coy, Katlain and Jordan Palmer, and nephew Joshua Epperson; and her mother Delynn Epperson.

Jill was born on September 8, 1966, in Portales, NM. She was the oldest of the 4 sisters, and as one of her cousins observed, was always the childhood leader of that small pack. She was bright, wildly creative, artistic, curious and as a longtime friend commented “always ornery”. She was definitely her own person, marched to the beat of her own drum and never met an animal she didn’t love. Jill was much loved and will be sorely missed.